Does one bad play lose the game?

The correct answer undoubtedly is NO but what IS relevant is the timing of the play. A missed field goal, a blown coverage, a bad PI call, a bad officiating call, a fumble, a sack on a fourth down attempt, etc... if all of these things happen in the 1st quarter or even first half, then they can be recovered from during the rest of the game.

However, if these same events occur in the fourth quarter, particularly if the game is within 2 scores and there are less than 2 minutes left, then these are the plays that people will pin the loss on.

In a way, they are correct but only because of the timing of the plays. There were still 90% of other plays that were made.

If I play with the Lakers and I make 1 three point shot, am I the hero? Not if the three pointer was in quarters 1-3, maybe even in the beginning of 4 but if I make that shot as time expires and we win, then people are gonna remember my shot more than the other 99% of the game played. Timing appears to be everything.